DAVE: -he waits for everyone to evacuate the meeting room before saying anything, remaining in his seat until only he and jade remain. unless jade already left, then he'll be catching up with jade in the hallway- so you just wanted to
DAVE: tell me that at the same time as everyone else
JADE: -she's quiet as everyone else leaves, and then she knows she can't avoid this. she doesn't really want to, but...-
JADE: i... wasnt sure how anyone was going to take all this
JADE: especially you
DAVE: so im caught completely off guard
DAVE: i still dont understand what you
DAVE: i know what youre doing but why didnt you talk about it with me or
DAVE: make a decision about dove without me or
DAVE: -he bites his lip momentarily and looks away- where are we
JADE: im not making the decision without you
JADE: at least not... where you two will be
JADE: but i know i have to go
JADE: and i know here is where she can be safe
JADE: i know this is what i have to do and i didnt... want you to try to talk me out of it -glances down at the table-
DAVE: -he swallows, trying to keep his thoughts coherent- isnt that the point of this though DAVE: to be on the same page
JADE: ...im sorry dave
DAVE: so i have to choose between you and her
DAVE: its not like shes safe here
JADE: its the safest place for her right now JADE: if we can keep them from trying to make another charge at earth it can stay safe, too
JADE: alternian forces are leaving
JADE: for now we beat them, but we cant let up
JADE: we have to fight for earth but i dont want to force her into it
JADE: i dont want to force anyone into it
JADE: were finally at a place where we arent being strung along by anyone else... where we arent the villains
JADE: but we made that happen and shes not just going to let us go either
JADE: especially not me, with everything i know
DAVE: -he knows she has a point but there are aspects of this that are tearing him apart inside- what are you wanting me to do
JADE: i dont know
JADE: just... whatever you have to do
DAVE: i still dont
DAVE: is this because youre mad at me or something because we can work that out
DAVE: im a dick im a pro dick but i wont do whatever it is again
JADE: no its not—
JADE: -she squeezes her eyes shut, shaking her head- its me dave
JADE: its just me
JADE: im finally figuring out what i need to do because ive been bottling it up for so long because i—
JADE: i love you and dove so much
JADE: all i wanted was to be there and take care of you
JADE: but i cant do it the way i was anymore
JADE: not when things are like this
JADE: i forgot how to fight... even against myself
JADE: but i dont want to have to keep fighting myself
DAVE: -his eyes are watering. he wishes he didn't understand, but he does. and he wants her to be able to have everything, to be able to protect herself if she needs to. who's he to talk that away from her? his voice cracks a little- i love you too
DAVE: i dont want you to have to fight yourself either
DAVE: youre always so strong you know
DAVE: i want to be on your side no matter what so
DAVE: -wipes his eye quickly- this family thing isnt really working out is it
JADE: dave...
JADE: -she stands up, circling the table just to be closer to him, to lean on him and wrap her arms around him-
JADE: its been great
JADE: as wonderful as it could be
DAVE: -he doesn't hesitate or push her back. instead, he tightly wraps his arms around her- i want you to do what
DAVE: you need to do
DAVE: im always going to support you and be friends and shit and
DAVE: jesus this is
DAVE: really hard
DAVE: but jade you changed my life
DAVE: you made me a better person
DAVE: and its time you took care of yourself and if you gave yourself even a portion of what you gave me it would be more than enough
DAVE: you deserve everything
DAVE: you deserve all of it
JADE: -she's quiet then, and the emotion cuts deep and raw and real in all his words, bouncing still off the corners of her mind and filling up the empty spaces. She's resolved, but still her eyes sting, her vision blurs and she feels... everything.-
JADE: i dont regret it
DAVE: i dont either -it's an instant response-
DAVE: harley you were always meant to do amazing shit
DAVE: and im gonna miss you like hell but theres no way im gonna
DAVE: keep you from what you know you gotta do
DAVE: just maybe consider keepin me on your booty call list
JADE: -fucking snORTS-
JADE: shut up dave
JADE: -presses a hand against his face and angles his head just to kiss him-
DAVE: -he returns it and doesn't take it for granted in the slightest. he wants to savor it while it's happening. his heart is so heavy but he's not going to let that show-
